Café Alto

The streets around the Leidseplein can feel overwhelming. Flickering neon lights, roaring drunks looking for a place to muck about. Low quality tourist trap restaurants and shady pianobars are the most common forms of amusement.

Perhaps Café Alto suits this backdrop of trashy bars and dancings. It puts you in the edgy mood before you enter this tiny Jazz club in the heart of the 'entertainment area'. The best seats are the small tables at the front of the stage. Come early, or later at night to find an empty chair. The bands performing are always of high quality, and perform seven days a week. Sit down with your best friends, and float away with the sounds of the saxophone, and the soft rhythm of the drums.

best drink: beer

food: no

best time to visit: every night

live music: yes (7 nights a week)

rating: *****